Coach with national championship résumé added to St. Bonaventure staff

Press Release | November 19, 2015

Photo Credit: Life University

ST. BONAVENTURE, NY — Andrew “Tui” Osborne, who coached Life University to two National Championships in men’s rugby, has joined the St. Bonaventure men’s rugby team as associate head coach.

Clarence Picard, longtime head coach of the Bonnies, made the announcement Thursday.

“Tui is a great addition to the program and the university community. He came to us with the highest references from people who I deeply respect, and has lived up to everything we heard,” Picard said. “The biggest compliment I can give Tui after two weeks is that he’s a ‘Bona guy.’ He shares our values and has been ‘all in’ since we first started working together.”

Originally from Fiji, Osborne played for the USA Eagles men’s national team from 2006 to 2008. He left Life University in September to move to Buffalo so he and his wife and young daughter could be closer to family.

“I’m excited about the opportunity with St. Bonaventure and the commitment the university is making toward the rugby program,” Osborne said. “I look forward to mentoring and educating these young men through rugby as we continue to develop and improve the sport in this country.”

Osborne coached at Life University from 2009-2015, winning men’s collegiate championships in both 15s (2014) and Sevens (2011).

“We are excited to see what the future holds,” Picard said. “For now, Tui is adding a lot of professionalism and insight to our program, beginning to meet our recruits, and planning for the Sevens season. He connected quickly with our players and coaching staff, and has brought a jolt of energy at the end of our season.”

The Bonnies conclude their season Saturday vs. Western Michigan in the ACRC Bowl Series in Charlotte, N.C. The game will be live streamed here beginning at 11:20 a.m.

Student-athletes interested in playing rugby at St. Bonaventure can complete the recruitment form here.